KIPO Intensifies Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods in Major Markets Nationwide

[Financial News] The Trademark Special Judicial Police of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) announced on the 27th that they will intensify crackdowns on the distribution of counterfeit goods in major markets nationwide, including Seoul.
 The trademark police focus on cracking down on major distribution networks of counterfeit goods to strengthen intellectual property rights protection and establish a fair market order, thereby enhancing the credibility of the domestic distribution market.
 Previously, the KIPO Trademark Police's Distribution Crime Investigation Team conducted intensive crackdowns on Saebit Market in Dongdaemun, Seoul, last April and May. In cooperation with Seoul City Hall, Seoul Jung-gu Office, and Seoul Jungbu Police Station, they booked five people, including counterfeit luxury goods sellers, without detention for violating the Trademark Act. They seized 296 counterfeit items of clothing, shoes, etc., from 36 famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci on site.
 The trademark police plan to conduct customized crackdowns by tracking wholesale distribution networks of counterfeit goods in major markets nationwide, including Busan and Daegu, and focusing on cracking down on counterfeit goods sales targeting tourists.
 KIPO is also working to enhance consumer awareness through intensive intellectual property protection campaigns. Last May, in collaboration with local governments such as Seoul City Hall, Seoul Jung-gu Office, Busan Jung-gu Office, Daegu Jung-gu Office, Seoul Jungbu Police Station, Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency, and trademark holders, they launched the 'Fake OUT, Genuine OK!' campaign in densely populated areas and markets in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.
 The trademark police plan to continue strengthening cooperation with related organizations to conduct intensive crackdowns on major counterfeit goods distribution hubs.
 Shin Sang-gon, Director General of the Industrial Property Protection Cooperation Bureau of KIPO, said, "The distribution of counterfeit goods leads to the weakening of national industrial competitiveness and threatens consumer safety," adding, "We will contribute to establishing a sound distribution order by building a constant crackdown system centered on the dedicated investigation team and continuously promoting public awareness improvement activities."
kwj5797@fnnews.com Kim Won-jun Reporter